Jeremy Bulloch, who played Boba Fett in original ‘Star Wars’ films, dead at 75

Jeremy Bulloch, who played the bounty hunter Boba Fett in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, died Thursday in London from complications caused by Parkinson’s disease, his representatives said. He was 75.

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“We are very sad to announce the death of actor Jeremy Bulloch, earlier today,” the British actor’s agents at Brown, Simcocks & Andrews said in a statement. “He died peacefully, in (the) hospital, surrounded by his family, from health complications following his many years living with Parkinson’s disease. Jeremy was best known for the role of Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy. He had a long and happy career spanning more than 45 years. He was devoted to his wife, three sons, and 10 grandchildren and they will miss him terribly.”

Actor Daniel Logan, who became close friends with Bulloch after playing a younger version of Boba Fett in 2002′s “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones,” also confirmed Bulloch’s death to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Jeremy was the one to teach me how to be a gentleman and interact with fans at conventions and show up (and) be present,” Logan told the website. “He was a true English gentleman.”

Bulloch played Boba Fett in 1980′s “The Empire Strikes Back” and 1983′s “Return of the Jedi.”

Born in Leicestershire in 1945, Bulloch began his acting career in 1958 by performing in commercials, Variety reported. At age 17 he appeared in “Summer Holiday,” alongside Cliff Richard.

Bulloch took on the role of Boba Fett in 1978 while starring in “Agony,” a television comedy series, Variety reported. Bulloch was the half brother of “Star Wars” producer Robert Watts, who brought the actor in to see if the Boba Fett costume would fit him, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“I remember George Lucas saying, ‘Welcome aboard. It’s not a big role, but I think you’ll have some fun,’” Bulloch said in a 2015 interview.

Boba Fett became a larger figure thanks to a 1978 “Star Wars Holiday Special,” in which Fett appeared as a cartoon character. Fans were so enamored by the character that Kenner made a Boba Fett action figure, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Boba Fett character has seen a revival thanks to the second season of the Disney+ hit, “The Mandalorian,” Variety reported. Temuera Morrison, a “Star Wars” veteran who originally played Jango Fett -- Boba Fett’s father in the prequel films -- portrays an older version of Boba Fett, the website reported.

Bulloch’s other credits included the James Bond movie “Octopussy” and the TV series “Doctor Who and “Robin of Sherwood.” He also had a cameo in 2005′s “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.”

Cox Media Group